RE

Growing Together by Exploring Faith & Building Respect: Religious Education at Barton Park Primary School

Subject Intent

At Barton Park, we believe that Religious Education (RE) is a vital tool for helping our children become empathetic, respectful, and thoughtful citizens. As a non-denominational school, we use an enquiry-based approach, which is designed to inform and empower, rather than persuade. Using the ‘Jigsaw RE’ scheme from Year 1 to Year 6, we pose big questions about all major world religions and non-religious worldviews. 

This curriculum is a vital vehicle for promoting the British Value of mutual respect and tolerance.  We believe that by investigating the traditions and values of others in a safe, academic environment, we prepare our students to be respectful and thoughtful citizens who are well-equipped for life in modern, diverse Britain.

Our curriculum document, below, highlights the different religions studied at different points, as well as our balanced programme of visitors and trips to places of worship.

We welcome parents who are happy to share their own faith or introduce us to local faith leaders who can enrich our students' learning in line with the curriculum intent outlined above.

In our school:

• Religious Education is taught in line with the Oxfordshire Schools’ Agreed Syllabus.

• The scheme ‘Discovery RE’ is taught in every year group from Year 1-6. 

• RE is taught in the Early Years through knowledge and understanding of our world. 

• All major religions are studied across the 6 years, and where possible, enriched through visits to places of worship, or from visitors to our school. 

The Education Reform Act 1988 requires that all schools have a daily act of Collective Worship either as a whole school or in separate groups. In our school, our assemblies focus on our values, and British values. We will occasionally welcome a faith visitor to tell us about a particular festival. Our act of worship takes the shape of reflection, and moments of gratitude, ensuring inclusive sprituality.

If you wish, you have The Right of Withdrawal for RE. This means you may withdraw your child from Collective Worship or RE lessons. This needs to be done in writing and addressed to the Headteacher. We will review this with you annually.